Welcome to BiP

The Benefits Information Portal (BiP),
from the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families,
is working to help over 4,500 Minnesota families
grow strong through adoption and kinship care.



Permanency Services Resource Hub! This is a centralized tool and site to find a wide range of resources and support services for the kinship, foster and adoption communities across Minnesota and the professionals who serve them. https://permanencyhubmn.org/

Access your family's information online!

Letters have gone out with Vendor Numbers to create your BiP account.

Email us if you need your letter with your Vendor Number resent.

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Three Assistance Programs
Which one is right for your child?
Children may qualify for reimbursements under one of Minnesota's three programs.



Legacy
Adoption Assistance Program

Your child may qualify for assistance under the Legacy Adoption Assistance [PDF] program,

  1. if the adoption was completed prior to January 1, 2015,
  2. and your child remains with the same caregiver without any changes in legal status,
  3. and your child has an Adoption Assistance Agreement.

Families with children covered under the Legacy Adoption Assistance program may be eligible to receive money back for:

  • Child Care
  • Respite Care
  • Camp Attendance
  • Home and Vehicle Modifications
  • Non-recurring (one-time) Expenses

Northstar
Adoption Assistance Program

Your child may qualify for assistance under the Northstar Adoption Assistance [PDF] program,

  1. if the adoption was completed on or after January 1, 2015,
  2. and your child has an Adoption Assistance Agreement.



Families with children in the Northstar Adoption Assistance program may be eligible to receive money back for:

  • Home and Vehicle Modifications
  • Non-recurring (one-time) Expenses

Northstar
Kinship Assistance Program

Your child may qualify for assistance under the Northstar Kinship Assistance [PDF] program,

  1. if the transfer of permanent legal and physical custody was completed on or after January 1, 2015,
  2. and your child has a Northstar Kinship Agreement.




Families with children in the Northstar Kinship Assistance program may be eligible to receive money back for:

  • Non-recurring (one-time) Expenses

Attention: Did you receive a notice from DCYF regarding your Commissioner Transition?

Are you currently receiving Relative Custody Assistance, Legacy Adoption Assistance, or are part of the Minnesota Permanency Demonstration Project? You will be notified by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families when your child is scheduled for a Commissioner Transition. Learn more about Commissioner Transitions [PDF].

Eligible Expenses
Get pre-approved and get money back.
Each assistance program offers different reimbursement options.



Have Kinship or Adoption-related Costs?

Eligible expenses - up to $2000 one-time/per child - may include, but not be limited to:

  • Agency adoption fees (including health and psychological expenses, if not covered by your health insurance)
  • Agency Fees for Supervision of the Adoptive Placement
  • Court Costs
  • Attorney Fees
  • Replacement Birth Certificate Fees
  • Transportation, Food, Lodging for the Child
  • Other Related Expenses

Download Non-recurring Expense Reimbursement [PDF] instructions for more details.

Attending Camp?

Some restrictions apply.
Expenses must be pre-approved.

  • Reimbursement will cover up to 14 days of camp, per fiscal year.
  • Must be accredited by the American Camp Association as a camp designated for special needs.
  • Visit acacamps.org to find an accredited program near you.

Download Camp Reimbursement [PDF] instructions for more details.

Need Child Care?

Some restrictions apply.
Expenses must be pre-approved.

  • Available for children age 12 and younger
  • May be available for children ages 13-14, who have been determined to require skilled adult supervision.

Download Child Care Reimbursement [PDF] instructions for more details.

Need Respite Care?

Some restrictions apply.
Expenses must be pre-approved.

  • Apply for respite care within your county of residence.

Download Respite Care Reimbursement [PDF] instructions for more details.

Need Vehicle Modifications?

Some restrictions apply.
Expenses must be pre-approved.

  • Door-widening
  • Lifting Devices
  • Wheelchair Securing Devices
  • Adapted Seats
  • Handrails and Grab Bars
  • Door Handle Replacements
  • Other Related Expenses

Download Vehicle Modification Reimbursement [PDF] instructions for more details.

Need Accessibility at Home?

Some restrictions apply.
Expenses must be pre-approved.

  • Lifting Devices
  • Wheelchair Securing Devices
  • Adapted Seats
  • Handrails and Grab Bars
  • Door Handle Replacements
  • Air Conditioning as required due to child’s medical condition
  • Other Related Expenses

Download Home Modification Reimbursement [PDF] instructions for more details.